Brent Hoberman: The Visionary British Entrepreneur Driving Global Innovation
Brent Hoberman is a name that resonates across the global entrepreneurial ecosystem. A visionary leader, he co-founded two billion-dollar businesses during the dot-com era and continues to shape the future of technology, investment, and innovation through his ventures and initiatives. From the rise of lastminute.com and Made.com to his influence in building platforms like Founders Forum, Founders Factory, and firstminute capital, Hoberman has become a cornerstone of Europe’s tech and venture capital scene. Recognised with a CBE for his services to entrepreneurship, his journey is a fascinating blend of resilience, foresight, and relentless commitment to innovation.
This article explores Brent Hoberman’s life, career, ventures, and influence, presenting a detailed profile of a man who has transformed the entrepreneurial landscape in the UK and beyond.
Early Life and Education
Childhood and Family Background
Brent Shawzin Hoberman was born on 25 November 1968 in Cape Town, South Africa. His family later relocated to the United Kingdom, where he was educated at some of the country’s most prestigious institutions. His upbringing instilled in him a sense of ambition and a global outlook that would later define his entrepreneurial ventures.
Education
He attended the Dragon School and then Eton College, where he was an Oppidan Scholar and active in academic and leadership pursuits. Hoberman later studied at New College, University of Oxford, earning a degree in Modern Languages and Literature. His ability to think across cultures and communicate effectively would later play a crucial role in his international business ventures.
The Rise of lastminute.com
Founding the Dot-Com Pioneer
In 1998, during the height of the dot-com boom, Hoberman co-founded lastminute.com with Martha Lane Fox. The concept was revolutionary at the time: an online platform offering late deals on flights, hotels, and leisure experiences. Hoberman served as CEO from the company’s inception.
Success and Exit
The company grew rapidly, becoming one of Europe’s most recognised online brands. Under Hoberman’s leadership, lastminute.com went public and expanded through acquisitions, achieving gross bookings of over $2 billion. In 2005, the business was sold to Sabre Holdings for $1.1 billion, cementing Hoberman’s reputation as a leading tech entrepreneur of his generation.
Made.com and New Ventures
Launching Made.com
In 2010, Hoberman co-founded Made.com, a disruptive online furniture and homeware retailer. The platform aimed to connect consumers directly with designers and manufacturers, offering stylish products at affordable prices. Made.com eventually went public with a valuation of over $1 billion, further confirming Hoberman’s ability to create scalable, high-growth ventures.
Expanding Entrepreneurial Footprint
Beyond lastminute.com and Made.com, Hoberman went on to co-found and support several ventures that have shaped the UK and European tech ecosystems, including:
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Founders Forum (2006): A global community of entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders.
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Founders Factory (2015): A venture studio and accelerator with operations in multiple global hubs.
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firstminute capital (2017): A $500m seed fund backed by over 130 unicorn founders.
Founders Forum: Building a Global Network
Concept and Impact
The Founders Forum Group is one of Hoberman’s most influential creations. Established in 2006, it brings together the world’s leading entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, and policymakers in invite-only events across the globe. The forum acts as a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and cross-industry partnerships.
Key Achievements
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Partnered with Informa Tech to co-host London Tech Week, the UK’s flagship technology event.
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Launched initiatives focused on ClimateTech, HealthTech, and diversity in technology.
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Created a family of service businesses such as Founders Keepers (executive search) and Founders Makers (creative consultancy).
Founders Factory: Powering Start-Ups
Venture Studio and Accelerator
Founded in 2015, Founders Factory partners with entrepreneurs and corporates to build, fund, and scale start-ups. Operating in London, Berlin, New York, Milan, and Johannesburg, the platform has backed hundreds of start-ups across multiple sectors.
Notable Focus Areas
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Climate and sustainability through the Planet Fund.
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AI and robotics via ventures like Karakuri.
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Expanding opportunities for underrepresented groups through initiatives like EQL:HER.
firstminute capital: A Global Seed Fund
Origins and Growth
Launched in 2017, firstminute capital was created to address the funding gap for early-stage start-ups. With $500 million in assets under management, it has become one of Europe’s most prominent seed funds.
Unique Backing
Over 130 unicorn founders and prominent CEOs, including Sir Richard Branson and Eric Schmidt, have backed the fund. Its global remit and network-driven model set it apart in the competitive venture capital landscape.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Founders Pledge
Hoberman co-founded Founders Pledge, a global community of entrepreneurs committed to donating a portion of their personal proceeds to charitable causes. Collectively, the community has pledged billions to philanthropy.
Other Initiatives
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Founders of the Future: Supporting aspiring young entrepreneurs.
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01 Founders: Coding schools with a job guarantee model.
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Advisory and board roles in non-profit organisations, including the Tessa Jowell Foundation and the Royal Foundation Taskforce on the Prevention of Cyberbullying.
Personal Life
Family
Brent Hoberman is married to Genevieve Hoberman, an interior designer. Together, they have three children. Despite his high public profile, Hoberman has maintained a balance between professional success and family life.
Recognition
In 2015, Hoberman was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his contributions to entrepreneurship. He has also served as an advisor to four UK prime ministers and held influential roles with institutions such as the World Economic Forum and Google Cloud.
Net Worth and Influence
Estimated Net Worth
While exact figures remain speculative, Hoberman’s net worth has been estimated in the range of £100–150 million, reflecting his business successes, investments, and advisory roles.
Broader Influence
His real wealth lies in his network, influence, and ability to shape the future of entrepreneurship. By connecting founders, corporates, and governments, Hoberman has ensured that the UK and Europe remain competitive in the global innovation landscape.
Legacy and Continuing Impact
A Builder and Connector
Brent Hoberman’s legacy extends beyond founding billion-dollar companies. He has built ecosystems that empower others to innovate, creating a multiplier effect across industries.
Looking Ahead
As technology evolves, Hoberman remains at the forefront, exploring opportunities in AI, climate technology, and future work models. His ventures continue to provide platforms for the next generation of entrepreneurs to thrive.
Conclusion
Brent Hoberman’s journey from a South African-born Oxford graduate to a British entrepreneur of global renown is a testament to vision, resilience, and adaptability. From pioneering online travel with lastminute.com to building global communities and seed funds, he has consistently anticipated trends and created platforms that enable others to succeed.
Today, Hoberman is not just an entrepreneur but a builder of ecosystems, a mentor to start-ups, and a champion of philanthropy and inclusion. His impact will continue to ripple across technology, business, and society for years to come.
